In a new statement issued Friday, Dr. Kent Brantly, one of the two American missionaries to come down with Ebola while serving in Africa, says he is "recovering in every way" and looks forward to a reunion with his family "in the near future."

Brantly is being treated in an isolation unit at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, along with the other American Ebola victim, Nancy Writebol. The statement issued Friday was through Samaritan's Purse, the organization Brantly was serving. Writebol was a missionary with SIM USA. Earlier reports indicated that she was recovering, but no new information was available Friday.

Brantly says he still has hurdles to clear in his recovery before he can be discharged, but he is holding on to the hope of a family reunion.

The full text of Brantly's statement:

"As my treatment continues in the isolation unit at Emory University Hospital, I am recovering in every way. I thank God for the healthcare team here who is giving me compassionate, world-class care. I am more grateful every day to the Lord for sparing my life and continuing to heal my body. There are still a few hurdles to clear before I can be discharged, but I hold on to the hope of a sweet reunion with my wife, children and family in the near future.

"Thank you for your prayers for Nancy and me. Please continue to pray for and bring attention to those suffering in the ongoing Ebola crisis in West Africa. Their fight is far from over.